Timothy Potts
Encyclopedia
Dr Timothy Potts is an Australian art historian, archaeologist, and museum director.
(BA Hons) and holds a DPhil in Near East
ern art and archaeology from the University of Oxford
, where he was a research lecturer and British Academy Research Fellow in Near Eastern Archaeology and Art at Christ Church, Oxford
(1985–90).
Timothy Potts was co-director of the University of Sydney
excavations at Pella
, Jordan
from 1982 to 1989. He worked at Lehman Brothers
in New York
from 1990 to 1994 and then became director of the National Gallery of Victoria
(1994–1998).In conjunction with his directorship at the National Gallery of Victoria
, Timothy was Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University
, and a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne
. He was the Director of the Kimbell Art Museum
in Fort Worth, Texas from 1998 to 2007 and is currently the Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum
at the University of Cambridge
(2007-).
Dr Potts directs studies in the History of Art for Clare College, Cambridge University. His research interests are Ancient Near Eastern art history, archaeology and history; museology; the classical tradition in western art.
(now CBE) retired, and Timothy Potts took over as the Fitzwilliam Museum
's 12th Director. Now designated a museum with outstanding collections, the Fitzwilliam
has begun a new phase in its two-hundred year history.
Dr Potts is Chairman of the Art Committee, with Mr Donald Hearn as Bursar, at Clare College, Cambridge
where he was Senior Vice President of the Media and Communications Group, Investment Banking Department, (New York
and London
) from 1990 to 1994.
included: in sculpture, St John the Baptist by Michelozzo, Virgin and Child by Donatello, Relief Head of Christ attributed to Tullio Lombardo, Isabella d’Este by Gian Cristoforo Romano, Late Gothic Silver-Gilt Virgin and Child (anonymous), and Modello for the Fountain of the Moor by Bernini; in paintings, The Judgment of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and A Dentist by Candlelight by Gerrit Dou; in antiquities, Head of an Athlete (Apoxyomenos) after Lysippos
, and The Death of Pentheus by Douris
; in Precolumbian art, 5th-century Maya
Jade Belt Ornament, and Codex-Style Cup showing Scribal Training by the “Princeton Painter”; and in Asian art, Bamboo and Rocks by Tan Zhirui.
Exhibitions at The Kimbell Art Museum
under Dr Timothy Potts’s directorship included:
Biography
Timothy Potts was educated at the University of SydneyUniversity of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
(BA Hons) and holds a DPhil in Near East
Near East
The Near East is a geographical term that covers different countries for geographers, archeologists, and historians, on the one hand, and for political scientists, economists, and journalists, on the other...
ern art and archaeology from the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
, where he was a research lecturer and British Academy Research Fellow in Near Eastern Archaeology and Art at Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
(1985–90).
Timothy Potts was co-director of the University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
excavations at Pella
Pella
Pella , an ancient Greek city located in Pella Prefecture of Macedonia in Greece, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.-Etymology:...
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
from 1982 to 1989. He worked at Lehman Brothers
Lehman Brothers
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. was a global financial services firm. Before declaring bankruptcy in 2008, Lehman was the fourth largest investment bank in the USA , doing business in investment banking, equity and fixed-income sales and trading Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (former NYSE ticker...
in New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
from 1990 to 1994 and then became director of the National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is an art gallery and museum in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1861, it is the oldest and the largest public art gallery in Australia. Since December 2003, NGV has operated across two sites...
(1994–1998).In conjunction with his directorship at the National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is an art gallery and museum in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1861, it is the oldest and the largest public art gallery in Australia. Since December 2003, NGV has operated across two sites...
, Timothy was Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University
La Trobe University
La Trobe University is a multi-campus university in Victoria, Australia. It was established in 1964 by an Act of Parliament to become the third oldest university in the state of Victoria. The main campus of La Trobe is located in the Melbourne suburb of Bundoora; two other major campuses are...
, and a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia and the oldest in Victoria...
. He was the Director of the Kimbell Art Museum
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts a small but excellent art collection as well as traveling art exhibitions, educational programs and an extensive research library. Its initial artwork came from the private collection of Kay and Velma Kimbell, who also provided funds for a new...
in Fort Worth, Texas from 1998 to 2007 and is currently the Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, located on Trumpington Street opposite Fitzwilliam Street in central Cambridge, England. It receives around 300,000 visitors annually. Admission is free....
at the University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
(2007-).
Dr Potts directs studies in the History of Art for Clare College, Cambridge University. His research interests are Ancient Near Eastern art history, archaeology and history; museology; the classical tradition in western art.
Writing
Dr Timothy Potts is a specialist in the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean on which he has written widely. His books include:- Civilization British Museum Ancient Trea
- Kimbell Art Museum: Handbook of the Collection
- From Renoir to Picasso : Masterpices from the Musee de L'Orangerie
- Mesopotamia & the East: An Archaeological & Historical Study of Foreign Relations 3400-2000 Bc. (Oxford University Committee for Archaeology Monograph Ser No. 37.)
- Post-modernisms: Origins, Consequences, Reconsiderations
Fitzwilliam Museum directorship and Cambridge University
In 2007, Duncan RobinsonDuncan Robinson
David Duncan Robinson, C.B.E., F.R.S.A., D.L., is the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. He is also the Chairman of the Henry Moore Foundation and was, until 2007, the Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum....
(now CBE) retired, and Timothy Potts took over as the Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, located on Trumpington Street opposite Fitzwilliam Street in central Cambridge, England. It receives around 300,000 visitors annually. Admission is free....
's 12th Director. Now designated a museum with outstanding collections, the Fitzwilliam
Fitzwilliam
Fitzwilliam may refer to:Persons:*Richard FitzWilliam, 5th Viscount FitzWilliam , Irish nobleman and politician*Wendy Fitzwilliam , Trinidad and Tobago's second Miss Universe...
has begun a new phase in its two-hundred year history.
Dr Potts is Chairman of the Art Committee, with Mr Donald Hearn as Bursar, at Clare College, Cambridge
Lehman Brothers
Between his academic and museum positions, Potts had a corporate career with Lehman BrothersLehman Brothers
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. was a global financial services firm. Before declaring bankruptcy in 2008, Lehman was the fourth largest investment bank in the USA , doing business in investment banking, equity and fixed-income sales and trading Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (former NYSE ticker...
where he was Senior Vice President of the Media and Communications Group, Investment Banking Department, (New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
) from 1990 to 1994.
Kimbell Art Museum directorship
The works of art acquired during Dr Timothy Potts’s tenure at the Kimbell Art MuseumKimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts a small but excellent art collection as well as traveling art exhibitions, educational programs and an extensive research library. Its initial artwork came from the private collection of Kay and Velma Kimbell, who also provided funds for a new...
included: in sculpture, St John the Baptist by Michelozzo, Virgin and Child by Donatello, Relief Head of Christ attributed to Tullio Lombardo, Isabella d’Este by Gian Cristoforo Romano, Late Gothic Silver-Gilt Virgin and Child (anonymous), and Modello for the Fountain of the Moor by Bernini; in paintings, The Judgment of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and A Dentist by Candlelight by Gerrit Dou; in antiquities, Head of an Athlete (Apoxyomenos) after Lysippos
Lysippos
Lysippos was a Greek sculptor of the 4th century BC. Together with Scopas and Praxiteles, he is considered one of the three greatest sculptors of the Classical Greek era, bringing transition into the Hellenistic period. Problems confront the study of Lysippos because of the difficulty of...
, and The Death of Pentheus by Douris
Douris
Douris may refer to the following people:*Douris , an Ancient Greek vase painter .*Douris , an Ancient Greek philosopher, writer and tyrant of Samos ....
; in Precolumbian art, 5th-century Maya
Maya civilization
The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as for its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Initially established during the Pre-Classic period The Maya is a Mesoamerican...
Jade Belt Ornament, and Codex-Style Cup showing Scribal Training by the “Princeton Painter”; and in Asian art, Bamboo and Rocks by Tan Zhirui.
Exhibitions at The Kimbell Art Museum
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts a small but excellent art collection as well as traveling art exhibitions, educational programs and an extensive research library. Its initial artwork came from the private collection of Kay and Velma Kimbell, who also provided funds for a new...
under Dr Timothy Potts’s directorship included:
- Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art (18 November 2007 – 20 March 2008)
- Drama and Desire Japanese Paintings from the Floating World, 1690–1850 (11 February – 29 April 2007)
- The Mirror and the Mask: Portraiture in the Age of Picasso (17 June-Sept 16th, 2007)
- Masterpiece: A New Look at the Kimbell Collection (30 April – 23 July 2006)
- Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh (27 August – 31 December 2006)
- Gauguin and Impressionism (18 December 2005 – 26 March 2006)
- Palace & Mosque: Islamic Art from the Victoria and Albert Museum (3 April – 4 September 2005)
- Turner and Venice (15 February – 30 May 2004)
- Genius of the French Rococo: The Drawings of François Boucher (1703-1770) and Boucher's Mythological Paintings:The Last Great Series Reunited (18 January-18 April 2004)
- Caravaggio to Dali: 100 Masterpieces from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (27 June-26 September 2004)
- Stubbs & The Horse (14 November – 6 February 2005)
- Modigliani & The Artists of Montparnasse (9 February – 25 May 2003)
- The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt (4 May – 14 September 2003)
- Painted Prayers: Medieval and Renaissance Books of Hours from the Morgan Library (12 October 2003 – 18 January 2004)
- Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 1617–1682 (10 March – 16 June 2002)
- Mondrian: The Path to Abstraction 1892–1914 (18 August – 8 December 2002)
- The Design and Construction of the Kimbell Art Museum: A 30th-Anniversary Exhibition (21 September – 3 November 2002)
- The Floral Art of Pierre-Joseph Redouté (17 November 2002 – 2 March 2003)
- European Masterpieces: Six Centuries of Paintings from the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia (18 March – 27 May 2001)
- Treasures From A Lost Civilization: Ancient Chinese Art from Sichuan (30 September 2001 – 13 January 2002)
- Worlds of Transformation: Tibetan Art of Wisdom and Compassion (16 January – 26 March)
- Giovanni Battista Moroni: Renaissance Portraitist (26 February-28 May 2001)
- Straganoff: The Palace and Collections of a Russian Noble Family (2 July – 1 October 2000)
- From Renoir to Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée de l'Orangerie (12 November 2000 – 25 February 2001)
- Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience (24 January-25 April 1999)
- Matisse & Picasso: A Gentle Rivalry (31 January – 2 May 1999)